Development
Over the past several years, the V&A Museum of Childhood has implemented a Masterplan to transform itself into a first class destination.
The key priorities of the Masterplan are: To carry out essential repairs to the 130 year-old building; to restore the building's interior to its former Victorian glory; to update the Museum's galleries and displays; to make the Museum fully accessible; to expand its learning centre and gallery space; to upgrade its visitor facilities and create a stunning new entrance.
Phase 1
In April 2003, the Museum completed the first phase of its Masterplan. Working with the architects Caruso St John, critical repairs, refurbishments and improvement works were made to the building, and the Museum's Upper Galleries were also redisplayed.
The roof of the building was repaired and the glazing cleaned and coated. The interior walls and iron work were also repainted using the Victorian practice of polychromy.
The Museum's historic marble floor was cleared to create an open space, greatly improving the sight lines through to the rear of the Museum, and easing congestion problems experienced by visitors at the front of the Museum. The shop, Information Desk and cafe were also redesigned to make them more open and accessible.
The upper Childhood Galleries, which include the dolls' houses, were redisplayed with a thematic approach, and interactive areas were introduced for babies, young children and older children.
Phase 2
Phase 2 of the Museum's Masterplan, commenced in 2005 and completed in December 2006, concentrated on the development of essential facilities for the Museum's priority audiences, including schools and community groups. The Masterplan continued the implementation of the interpretative strategy which began with the redisplay of the Upper Galleries in Phase 1 and which was rolled out to the Mezzanine Galleries.
Specific improvements made to the Museum included: The construction of a stylish, welcoming new entrance enabling groups to move more freely, easing congestion at peak times; a new gallery, located within the foyer, dedicated to displaying artwork and installations from the Museum's community programme; the construction of a lift near the entrance foyer to ensure all levels of the Museum are fully accessible; the re-configuration of the north basement to create improved lunchroom, cloakroom and toilet facilities; and a new learning centre doubling the capacity for school groups, and incorporating a designated space for community art and craft workshops.
Displays
The infrastructure of the Mezzanine Galleries was also improved and the displays redeveloped. In line with the Upper Galleries, the Mezzanine Galleries incorporated additional space for activities. New themes developed for the displays included: Creativity - looking at imagination, inspiration, exploration and 'having a go' using the Museum's diverse collections and Moving Toys - exploring the science and technology of movement and the moving image through the Museum's internationally recognised collection of moving and optical toys.
Design
As with Phase 1 of the Masterplan, the Museum worked with local award-winning architects Caruso St John on Phase 2.
